The application of solar distillation technique as a mean for olive mill wastewater management

The present study was conducted on a pilot scale level using a solar still unit to separate olive mill wastewater (OMW) into condensate and solid residue. The prevailing conditions inside the solar still, rates of distillation and a number of quality parameters for condensate [pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total‐phenols] were evaluated to assess the system performance. The solid residue was evaluated as well for its utility as a potential biofuel. The condensate is acidic (pH 3.8), colourless, transparent and free of suspended solids. The turbidity and EC were reduced in the condensate by 100 and 99%, respectively, while the loads of COD, TOC, TN and T‐phenols were reduced by 90, 98, 99.9 and 99.96%, respectively. Almost 0.04% of initial total phenols found in OMW were recovered in the condensate. High calorific value (23.5 kJ/g) and combustible portion (84%) of solid residue suggests its applicability as a potential biofuel